I Am The Walrus lesson by Mike Pachelli

[@dougstambaugh6396]

I didn't think it was even possible to simultaneously play both the ascending string notes and descending guitar chords of a song as obscure as "I am the Walrus" on guitar until Mr. Pachelli showed us how it's done. From an avid Beatles fan who thought he know how to play this song on guitar, I say thank you Mike for explaining the idiosyncrasies of how to correctly play it. Bravo!! (or should I say "Goo Goo Ga Joob!)

[@MPfrance]

Doug Stambaugh - thanks for the kudos - I appreciate it! And yea - a good shouting of Goo goo g'joob does a body good!!

[@williamscottwilliamsen665]

Nice one Mike

[@nickcarroll994]

This guy is an incredible teacher. A+++

[@jacksmith7798]

I agree and I love the fact that he genuinely seems to love what he's doing.

[@thehotyounggrandpas8207]

I watched the whole video and I don't even really want to play the song, just enjoyed the info and this mans enthusiasm!

[@mitchharrelson7439]

Samuel Feynman Tribute page I agree! I don't really play guitar but I do however transfer his information to piano!

[@michael52250]

Yeah, Mike could not be accused of being low energy when it come to "the boys" :-) ... love it!

[@chetruane]

@@michael52250 all of their songs are his favourite song

[@MrSahansdal]

@@chetruane hard to chose, ya know

[@standave57]

Ha! I was thinking the same thing....

[@RayFromLUCKYSHADOW]

The tone you get on that Casino: 🥰. Even just hitting the chords in your chord breakdown, good Lord.

[@thebubonicj]

This song is the perfect balance of songwriting and studio experimentation and the Beatles are unmatched in both.

[@danielrockmyer949]

That is freaking Incredible! Beatles! KickAss!!

[@peliche77]

If I had to choose just one song of the extensive catalogue of The Beatles songs I'd choose "I Am The Walrus". An outstanding and mind blowing masterpiece. No matter how many times you've listened to it... It always leaves you 😲. The incredible genius of John Lennon reached its top here and that is really a lot to say, isn't it? Extraordinary job Mike, absolutely amazing. I enjoyed your lesson very very much. Congratulations.

[@charleshendrix232]

And it was a B side to Hello Goodbye, a mediocre song at best

[@stevefreebob]

It has to be said, no other pop song comes close to this in its complexity and absolute brilliance. Mike,. to do this on guitar is a masterclass in itself. I have been in awe of this song from the very first day it was released, as the B side to "Hello Goodbye" Lennon pointed this out and sneered at the fact. Of course the song was far too complex for the public to absorb at this time.I love the ascending and descending chords you did at the end .This is an absolutely fantastic breakdown and lesson of a true masterpiece.Thank you so much Mike.

[@SharpByCoop]

Mike plays it in full @29:35..... I've listened to a gazillion songs on KZbin. I don't think I've *ever* enjoyed one more. Thank you MIKE !!!

[@MPfrance]

Wow - very kind words indeed. Thanks!!

[@annakermode6646]

Agreed 100%. I keep coming back to this!

[@ClassicKrusty]

@@MPfrance is that really what George played for the studio version? Maybe I’m nit listening well enough but due to the guitar being somewhat buried I can never make it out.

[@Nation4]

So. Damn. Coo.

[@kevsweat]

Thank you so much Mike I’m having a blast Lennon and George Martin were absolute geniuses. So cool

[@thingy54]

You´ve got to remember that John´s chord changes (sometimes - as in this song) were "complicated" though his melodies were very simple, sort of one-note runs, very much like J. S. Bach, who also did the same. He (John) did lovely, melodious songs too of course, but was a man who composed how he felt at the moment. Brilliant! As an aside: I was born in 1954, and when l first heard "I am the Walrus" it scared me somehow as a 13 year old. Led Zeppelin´s "Kashmir" did the same too some years later. It is though one of my all time favourite Beatles song now and l love to play it on my guitar to wow my friends. Cheers Mike!

[@donquicke8240]

Totally blown away, speechless! Long live The Walrus!

[@philgranito4043]

16 chords in one song. What a musical mind/intelligence John had/has.

[@mikeburton7077]

im 72 ,cant play guitar at all ,I have loved "WALRUS" because of the sounds without knowing why,it is just a beautiful enigmatic ,song that moves me .I know appreciate what a genious John was with help from your video, many thanks

[@gioknows]

A song like I am the Walrus shows us just how much imagination and mastery the Beatles had when composing their music. This is no simple 3 chord song...it is a profusion of ideas all carefully crafted together and this is why the Beatles music stands out even to this day. Thank you for this amazing breakdown.

[@MPfrance]

ABSOLUTELY!! It's my fave song by the lads.

[@rickbaker8188]

My dad bought my first Beatles single She Loves You. We sat in front of our "hi fi" and listened to it over and over. The B side too - I'll Get You. Love these videos. I'm now 69 years old.

[@johnsurich941]

Pachelli is awesome. I never tire of his teaching. His library is desert island material..

[@chrislindley3847]

Bravo, outstanding playing and teaching! Am a massive Beatles fan for 57 years and you've given me the inside track to some of the most creative music ever written and played. Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@professorhamamoto]

Excellent demo. Far more, really, than a "demo." For you are teaching us Beatleology from the inside out. It's obvious that you are a serious student of The Beatles. I learned chord voicings that I only thought I knew. The structure of the song is idiosyncratic at minimum. "I Am the Walrus" is in a class all its own and stands the test of time. Thank you, so much, Mike Pacelli. (That chord climb at the end was something else. Never seen anyone attempt it on guitar before. And it works.

[@MarcusTomatos]

Just fabulous Mike, you have the knack of bringing all the Beatles tunes to life again!

[@thesurfr]

Again?

[@stephensmith60]

The genus of Mike for Pachelli for breaking this down and putting it back together!

[@matthewroy5369]

Having just recently found Mr. Pachelli I am blown away by the huge collection of my favorites already broken down into lessons...priceless

[@luthravin4774]

I had to stop the final play through because it’s a complete wonderment how Lennon even dreamed this whole song up!! The chord structure alone is mind boggling and to put it all together.. right 3 songs into one great one..Thanks Mike for the absolute tear down!! I’m still pondering ..how did John figure this out..amazing

[@tonys2705]

It always gets me to see such enthusiasm still, to this day, for the most phenomenal band/event, of our lifetime... It's a bone chilling song that seems to come from another dimension. One of the greatest.. It was a pleasure watching you do such a great job playing it. Great way to play the ending, too...

[@tjcint]

To Tony S - a great comment. It does seem to come from another dimension .. in fact it probably actually does.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

I believe humans exist in extended dimensions not just the 3 we know and 4th Time. I have heard people say the song just wrote itself meaning it was like it always existed when I wrote it or it came to me in a dream. I have woken up listening to music from my TV or bedroom Mac Mini and that music felt so different when I had fully woken up. I must of been listening to it in a very different way or perceiving it very differently compared to being fully awaken. Paul says some melodies came to him when he was asleep. I'm learning meditation these days to relearn how to find quiet within for health but also to see if I find new creativity also.

[@scotttyson8661]

I still got and play the 45 mop form Apple records. It fired me up as I would dress up for Midget Football League.

[@randyhickman604]

Last year when my daughter got married at the dinner afterward I had the dj play this as my favorite song! Thanks Mike!

[@uweschramm]

Dear Mike Pachelli, its just great how you are teaching, performing and living! this song. Thanks a lot!

[@JohnBarrylizard]

You're a great teacher and you choose a genius song.

[@mgouker]

This song is incredible and the lesson is off the charts fantastic.

[@tonymitchell8991]

I love this guys obvious love & enthusiasm for the Beatles. The Beatles blew me away, still do after all these years. I was 8 years old when Love Me Do hit the charts. They changed the everything. Mikes videos are so good, cant get enough. Peace and Love.

[@toymasterfultoymasterful7499]

This must be the Best Beatles turorial ive seen...even explained the songs history. Im impressed!

[@jayrocknurse5386]

In this Beatles fan opinion...Mike, you've outdone yourself. You know how much my wife and I like you as a guy, well as a guitarist I think that your fab. But being able to first figure out this amazing song probably took you forever. Then, as you are such a great guy who shares these things, you put it in line and taught it to the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@MPfrance]

Jay - You're most welcome!

[@guitarsncarsnart]

What a great lesson. You also tell us why the song is structured as it is and how it was created. I enjoy your Beatles knowledge, your great playing the way you break down structure and appreciate your enthusiasm. This is a really crazy song and nobody else on KZbin would try this. Kudos sir. The ending chords you played were like running towards a cliff. But you nailed it.

[@MPfrance]

Thank you. I've always loved this song and the ending STILL blows my mind!

[@sr0242]

Mike Pachelli. Mike is that a real 1965 Epiphonoe Casino old Vintage Guitar like John Lennon's?

[@michael52250]

Oh please stop :-) ... In /68 I went downtown to our best Guitar shop to lease my first electric. Knew very little, but a used Epiphone caught my eye and I ended up with it (later bought and just traded in a few years back). It was two models down from the Casino, which I could have had for about $20 more at the time... "that close" ... lol!

[@grausound]

This is the BEST lesson on the Beatles I have ever seen in my life... THANK YOU for taking the time and sharing your talent. Lennon would be proud of someone like you Again THANK YOU

[@MPfrance]

Thank you - HIGH praise indeed and I'm humbled by your kind words!

[@coffeesnob7600]

Mike, that was simply incredible. You dissected this masterpiece and put it back together (convincingly!). It's nearly as good as the original. Thank you.

[@dadatv1961]

Fantastic lesson. The song is pure Lennon genius and you illuminated the chords and their voicing expertly.

[@hbarwickjr]

Cool beans! Brought tears to my eyes as I remember when this came out on the radio back in the day of the (Beatles) life. Thanks for doing all the Beatles music. Best group of all time who grew up with them!

[@doctari1061]

Awesome. That was a pretty fantastic forensic analysis Mike. You just proved that John Lennon was truly a genius. It’s apparent that all of the Beatles songs that truly moved music in a revolutionary direction were all of Lennon’s songs. Cheers

[@daniru5710]

In every album ,Lennon songs are a step ahead of the rest of the band

[@WJWinstonOficial]

The best teacher ever!

[@johnaltyn3171]

I agree with you Mike. It is my FAVORITE Beatle song.

[@zerndtg]

Great job Mike. No one understands the Beatles music better than you!

[@MovingBlanketStudio]

Wow, I had forgotten what an amazing song this is.. Never realized it was so intricate. After a superb lesson like this, take a break, or to put it another way: "Sit you down, father, rest you!"

[@MPfrance]

Great tag to the post!

[@jakek201]

Im sad I was born after the Beatles but just as glad I was born after! Genius deconstructed by Mr. Pachelli, thank you.

[@danilocalderon6984]

My favorite song ever. thank you.

[@carloscarlito73]

God bless you Mike, you have my dedication for a lifetime! Keep the sharing!

[@BirdRockin]

This is amazing. I stumbled across your video for I feel fine and now I’m hooked and picking up my guitar again learning and playing these wonderful songs I always meant to learn but never got around to. Thank you Mike!

[@MLFranklin]

Hauntingly cool chord progressions. Thanks for unlocking it for us.

[@77inthehouse]

Thanks Mike, a REAL guitar lesson...Much obliged, keep up the good work...I seriously love the Epiphone Casino now

[@MPfrance]

Thanks SO much and yea - me too! The Epi is FAB!!!

[@mikailstacy8245]

John Lennon was quoted in an interview saying he was irritated Hello Goodbye got the A Side and I am the Walrus got put on the B side because he felt his was the better song. There has been plenty hello goodbye type songs already and walrus was pushing new boundaries.

[@patrickmcmullen1190]

We never hear those chords so distinctively as you make them so clear to us here. It really makes us appreciate the Beatles genius even more. How can ego's soar so high, yet, they never ever showed any sign within their personalities that they were egotistical. Genius. And four of them together! Imagine our world if they never came along. After 50 years, i still can't comprehend their magic.

[@MPfrance]

Thanks for the kudos Patrick and I couldn't agree with you more! The world would be a MUCH less colorful place if there hadn't been the lads...

[@PhilKelley]

There was something magical going on at the end when you played the entire song, Mike. I could imagine the orchestra with John on piano. Thank you for another excellent lesson.

[@guillervz]

Mike, you made me like this masterpiece even more!

[@patrickcollins7407]

The descending chords played with the ascending notes up to 28 minutes - absolutely brilliant Mike, how you morphed the two parts together on the guitar I don't know, but bravo!

[@MrGreenwheel1]

Incredible song, top of the mountain! You've given me chord voicings to master. Besides his musical genius Lennon had a sense of humor. He expressed dismay that he could walk down any street and hear people sing or whistle Paul's songs. But he never heard anyone singing I am the Walrus! He is the James Joyce of rock/pop music. Like Joyce's Ulysses and Finnegans Wake, seminal works for writers, Walrus may have the most inventive structure/sounds of any rock song by anyone. Thanks for a tremendous lesson. Very thorough!

[@nezbit8989]

Yeh! I’m a life long Beatles fan and guitarist and you have just shown me this song for the first time il appreciate this song a little more from now on and hear it with new ears! Great tutorial 👍

[@davidhunt2937]

Another great lesson Mike. This song is my fave..so much going on. Lyrically Across the universe is another great piece of John's work.

[@steveanderson2462]

Wow nicely done version thanks for making my Saturday morning more enjoyable. I will never be able to play it like you do but I sure did enjoy the interesting chords and awesome sounds, I may have to break out my old Beatles albums for a listen.

[@JohnNiemsMusic]

Bravo Mike! Excellent job on one off my all time favorite JOHN SONGS too!!!!!! Thanks!

[@elvinlategan9857]

i'm blown away -

[@michaelg1060]

I've been playing this for so many years and it sounded right. Well, it was "right", but you showing how to get the orchestral sound is fantastic!! Thank's Mike!!

[@Brucemcleod2345]

Brilliant-One of my favourite all time songs as well

[@tubinreo]

Thanks Mike! I can't play a lick, but I keep watching your videos over and over to better appreciate what I'm listening to. It works wonders!!

[@jtoastmaster]

I love this breakdown. A perfect dose of music theory application combined with unbridled enthusiasm. Thanks, man! I really dig what you're laying down.

[@MPfrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarcHalikas_surfercook]

That was an odyssey into another musical dimension! Never even crossed my mind to jump down the Walrus's "Rabbit Hole". Quite satisfying sojourn you took me on...Thanx!

[@paulopasiani7036]

Total genious the very best music in the universe for me. John the greasted

[@rickbaker8188]

I've learned so much about the intricacies of the Beatles' songs. I was close but Mike is spot on.

[@johnleduc5276]

My Dad got me my first guitar on Christmas, 1963, and when the Beatles came to America 2 months later, I was hypnotized for sure. In 1968 I bought a used, but mint condition Gibson ES-330 TDC, just like your Epi. I love all styles of music, but the Beatles are the "toppermost of the poppermost" for me. I'll be watching all your videos. You're great.

[@stepitup5409]

Mike you are amazing. Simply amazing!

[@CarloMarchiori]

I think you really honoured this song and the Beatles at large.

[@JimHabash]

I just love this lesson- always come back to it every few weeks just to admire the song. Well done, as are all of your analysis Mike, of the beatles..BB, Jimi - its a complete review of everything in proper context, and in a very detailed musical and historical manner Thanks so much.

[@danieljohansson1938]

What a brilliant lesson of this song that I've loved since I was a kid. Now at 46 I can finally play. So structured, enthusiastic and fun to watch. You sir are an excellent teacher!

[@Soul-Poet-z2g]

I love that John song .. you are a great teacher, thank you for the passion !!!

[@donalso]

omg there are more than one greatest love songs that have ever been written and performed!!!

[@brewinganddistillingcenter9303]

Mike, you love and appreciate the Fab Four as much as I do...thanks so much!!!

[@scottyluvsguitar]

How awesome is this lesson! Thank you!

[@jamesthompson316]

Breathtakingly brilliant Mike 👏👏👏 and that’s what sets them apart from even the greats

[@66ebutu]

Mike, agree with you this song is unbelievable and like with most of the Beatles songs, I never get tired of listening to them! Thanks for another brilliant video tutorial. You are also magnificent!

[@MPfrance]

Thanks for your very kind words. I appreciate it!!

[@mr.crapper7197]

It's a fantastic tune. I get chills also playing it.

[@YiaMdj]

These videos feel so old school. Bob Ross vibes, I dig it.

[@tonym994]

the worst thing about Mike's videos is that they all end. too much fun for him and us.

[@standave57]

Happy Chords....

[@Sickofdrawingcowboys717]

Yesss

[@ronbynum7304]

Brilliant instruction Mike. Very comprehensive explanation of a serious piece of music. Thanks man.

[@MPfrance]

Very welcome!

[@albertarguelles3262]

Mike just discovered you have to say, you are an exceptional teacher. You keep everything very clear and to the point making it easy. Thanks Keep on Rockin'

[@MPfrance]

Thanks Albert. That's very kind of you to say!

[@hughhalestookevideo]

This is just fantastic. Like Mike Pachelli's other video lessons, it combines really solid, easy to follow instruction, with a deep appreciation for the song. This is a great sounding guitar arrangement of an epic song that doesn't feature much guitar. I've always wanted to play it. What a resource! The chord arrangement for the outro is just terrific, both as a how to and as an appreciation of the original arrangement.

[@MPfrance]

Wow, thanks!

[@paulsimmons5726]

Jeez, gotta the Beatles credit for being able to remember the chord changes during their recording sessions. The music of the 60's had so much more experimentation than what was recorded afterwards with a few noted exceptions like Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, ELP's Pirates, or some of the side long songs by Yes and later Rush. This was a great lesson with plenty of usable tips thrown in for good measure. Thanks!

[@MD-km2jw]

You forgot Pink Floyd

[@deconcoder]

Great job on this one too, I remembered seeing this some time ago. Amazing the little intro takes 10 minutes to teach. This is also my favorite Beatles tune.

[@MrStarsandstripes123]

Mike thank you for that awesome lesson.

[@tandjfinch5572]

a genius interpretation and transferring the love of the music, you've gotta get the giggles hearing the outro...awesome!

[@Mickcotton]

Absolutely The Most Difficult Song Ever. And So Easy for Them & You. One of my Favorites also since I was 10 years old. Amazing THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LESSONS ❤️ Cheers 🍻

[@gregggetchell1713]

Thank you Mike, for putting so much effort into teaching this song. Love the way you voiced some of those chords. This is just a blast to play.

[@Bill_Jones.]

Man, that sounds so good !! I love the Beatles.

[@yoxyzxyzxyz]

Brilliant! I really love how are you explain everything about the Beatles genius! I am the walrus was always my favorite!

[@MPfrance]

Thanks and yes - Walrus is my favorite Beatles song also. It's such a BRILLIANT composition/recording and when you think how young John was when he did it - blows my mind!!!

[@barryhicks2827]

GREAT lesson! GREAT teacher! Thanks so much.

[@joedurushia4008]

Awesome Mike! Thank you! I had a music teacher in college that used Beatles song (along with Bach Motzart etc.) examples for his theory lessons. He always raved about the genius of The Beatles.

[@GladmanNow]

Finally got around to trying out this amazing arrangement of this amazing song. Thanks so much, Mike!

[@MPfrance]

Gladman - You are welcome - glad to be of some help.

[@Charlie6String56]

Fantastic guitar arrangement Mike! Nothing like a little Beatle intrigue and a little light on a dark Tuesday in January!

[@andrewbell2712]

Jeez, Mike. Sometimes when you're playing "I Am the Walrus," you disappear and become the Beatles. Thank you for the splendid lesson! Your conclusion of the song was sublime.

[@jimiemac4353]

Mike Man! Thank you so much - my favourite song of all time...

[@albertlucero1980]

One of the greatest songs ever made! I am going to watch this and learn the song, I always faked it but now I want to learn and give it justice. This song blows me away every single time I listen to it, John Lennon at his creative best. What a song!

[@bartceljavier4209]

Awesome lesson! A big thank you, kind sir.

[@johnfranklin5700]

Always like your lessons Mike..and I've always been a Huge Beatles fan...they were amazing..its always fun to go thru your lessons.

[@modmnri5722]

Your lessons are incredibly pleasant and helpful thank you !

[@gregmixing]

Good ears man. Nice job on those voicings at the end in particular.